Can a High Schooler Hack It In College Classes?

Sparkler nednettinc weighs in on the community college scene from the unique perspective of a high school student. Enjoy! —SparkNotes Editors

Highlighters + Facebook + Skittles = College. Let me clarify. I am a high school senior taking two community college classes. A typical day consists of decorating my notes with highlighters, watching people poke around Facebook, and trying to find the yummiest combination of Skittles (it’s purple and red).

It may sound like I’m slacking off, but I’m simply finding ways to keep myself sane as my professor talks about how Fidel Castro was a “nasty son-of-a-gun.”

On my first day taking a college class, I ran three blocks to my building so I wouldn’t be late (hint: find out where your class is before you park!).  I was the last one there, but I wasn’t late—just frazzled. I learned all about how my sociology professor went to school two blocks away from a serial killer. He’s actually a really nice guy, and not nearly as intimidating as I thought a professor would be. The only frightening thing about him is his unusual beard.

Surprisingly, my other college class was easy, too. It was just like a high school government class, really, except my professor prefers the term "political science."  The worst thing about that class was the presence a classic suck-up, the type of student who raises his hand and repeats whatever the professor just said.

What really stressed me out about taking two college classes were the tests. I had heard all sorts of things about how hard they were, and how many people fail. So, naturally, when my first test rolled around I got really nervous. My professor started pulling out the tests and, lo and behold!  It was a crossword puzzle. Yes, a crossword puzzle. We also got to use our notes and books. I was somewhere between being grateful and feeling like my intelligence was insulted!

I've been told my other tests are going to be a lot harder, which brings me to my next realization about college classes: You must stay on top of your homework, take good notes, and study because you never know how hard (or easy) a test will be.

College isn’t so bad after all. Is it like high school? Nope. Does it steal your soul and turn you into an overworked nutcase? Nope. From what I'm learning, your experience depends on your attitude. If you're too stressed out, you will be cranky and it’ll suck even more. If you get too carefree, you won’t worry about studying and taking notes, and then the final exam will hit you really hard. Find your happy balance, even if it requires you to buy a semester’s worth of Skittles to keep you both focused and happy. (In case you were wondering, that many Skittles costs roughly $15 for a semester. For me, it’s worth it.)

Do you think college and high school courses are that different?

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